1960 Astin Martin DB4 Series 1
HIGHLIGHTS
One of 149 Series 1 DB4s built with Left Hand Drive
Matching Numbers Engine per Factory Build Record
Touring Superleggera (Super Light Weight) Coachwork
Desirably Uprated to Triple-Carburetor 4.2 specs by Aston Engineering
SPECIFICATIONS
Chassis Number - XXXXX
Engine – 4.2L, 6 Cylinder
Gearbox – 4-Speed Manual
Drivetrain - Front-Engine, RWD
PRICING INFORMATION
Price - Please Inquire
OVERVIEW
Steeped in the traditions of great motoring, Aston Martin has produced some of the finest performance cars for both racing and road use. Throughout their history, Aston Martin has offered sports cars at the intersection of performance and elegance – a hallmark of their brand. When David Brown took the helm, his clever and timely purchase of Lagonda secured use of their sophisticated 2.6 liter twin-cam inline six-cylinder engine, designed by none other than W.O. Bentley. The venerable in-line six would position their superb road going cars as notable entrants in motorsports events. By the late 1950s Aston Martin would establish a leadership role against many worthy competitors including those more heavily funded.
With continued success and a growing customer base, Aston Martin astutely retained the services of the finest Italian coachbuilders for both production cars and one-off show cars. The resultant improvements in the line were immediately evident through the seminal DB series, including the DB4, which benefited from the patented Touring Superleggera (Super Light Weight) method. These hand formed aluminum bodies, mounted over steel sub-structure, were lightweight, beautifully appointed, and offered top-tier performance. The DB4 featured a newly developed 3.7-liter dual overhead cam engine designed by Polish race car driver Tadek Marek. This potent engine was mated to a 4-speed manual gearbox, while four-wheel Girling disc brakes handled stopping duty. Independent front suspension utilized ball-jointed wishbones, coil springs, and rack-and-pinion steering.
Period tests returned impressive results, placing Aston Martin at the top of their game while delivering a uniquely conceived design. The Series 1 Touring body was clean, eschewed fussy trim, and the ventless side window profile created a pure and elegant statement which remains today one of the most revered and now iconic GT profiles from this prolific era.
This DB4 has benefited from a comprehensive restoration in 2003 overseen by the marque experts at Autosport Designs. Formerly owned by Tom Papadopoulos, founder of Autosport Designs, this car received the very best in restoration services as it was the Tom’s personal car. During the restoration, the car was treated to expert alloy panel handwork and the interior reupholstered in green leather with matching green carpets. Mechanical refurbishment included uprating the engine to 4.2 liter specifications performed by marque experts at Aston Engineering. The engine build included Cosworth pistons, larger special series valves, and the twin-cam head was specifically prepared to run on unleaded fuel. Copies of dyno test sheets (showing the horsepower and torque output), records of engine rebuild details, and parts and service invoices are included with the car.
In addition to the engine rebuild, Autosport Designs also upgraded the intake system with triple carburetors, the gearbox and differential were rebuilt, and the suspension was uprated with a Harvey Bailey suspension package and lever arm rear shock absorbers. Approximately 6,000 miles have been recorded since the restoration was completed.
In subsequent ownership this car was shown at various concours events including receiving a 2nd in class award at the 2015 Sunday in the Park at Lime Rock event, display at The Quail Motorsports Gathering, 2014, completion of the Copperstate 1000 in 2016, completion of The Holyland 1000 in 2018, and was shown at the Larz Anderson Auto Museum Lawn Event, 2020.
Today this beautifully restored Aston Martin elegantly conveys all the traits of a handsomely configured Series 1 DB4. The paint is very nice throughout and the deep rich color is particularly fitting for the alloy Touring coachwork. The clean trunk line cleverly tapers downward while the blade-edge fenders raise the character line and accentuate the signature upright taillights. The sweeping roofline and rear glass are very sophisticated for the era, while the chrome wire wheels and dual-ear knockoffs create a flash of competition history on this elegant Grand Touring design.
Attention to detail, accuracy, and quality materials are evident throughout the interior. The supple green leather seats are expertly tailored with excellent pleat lines. The matching green door panels, low pile carpets with correct perimeter beading, and handsomely finished rear seating area are beautifully presented. The only evidence of time having lapsed since restoration is the gently relaxed driver’s seat bottom – a welcomed outcome from two 1,000 mile driving events.
The dashboard finishes contrast elegantly with the delicate chrome accents highlighted by an array of restored instrumentation filling the driver’s binnacle. A large diameter wood steering wheel with triple spokes is the perfect partner for the floor mounted 4-speed shifter. Nestled beneath the climate control levers, the Motorola radio and speaker grille finish the center area between the two seats. Overall, the interior delivers an exceptionally fine, authentic appearance including the trunk compartment, which is upholstered with black carpet, concealing a matching wire wheel spare tire nestled into the subfloor tire tub.
The beautifully restored twin-cam engine and engine compartment are presented with excellent finishes, proper fasteners, and period correct components. The matching number uprated 4.2 L engine conceals the added power with original finishes and features. The cast alloy engine components are polished to an appropriate luster, not overdone as is often seen. The 4.2-liter engine, rebuilt by Aston Engineering, is outfitted with triple SU carburetors. The engine bay and all hardware have been expertly refinished to a very high standard.
As one might expect, the driving experience is very satisfying particularly so with the added power from the uprated 4.2 L engine. Acceleration is surprisingly strong, with throttle response comfortably managing the range of leisurely cruising or more spirited engagements. The Girling disc brakes operate in balance with the chassis, coming down smoothly and tracking evenly even from higher speeds. Handling is delightfully improved via the uprated Harvey Bailey suspension package and lever arm rear shock absorbers.
Beautifully finished in stunning colors, this Aston Martin DB4 is ready for the next fortunate enthusiast to experience the driving, showing, and emotional connection to one of the finest examples of GT performance cars ever assembled. Powerful and elegant, this Aston Martin combines all the traits of enjoyable motoring from a romantic and inspired era when life was an adventure - shaken, not stirred.
Please contact Jason at +1-206-355-7727 or Hans at +1-425-417-5877 for more information on this vehicle.
